UCU Lady Canons eye finals spot in decisive clash with JKL
The winner of this crucial clash will advance to the women’s finals to join JT Lady Jaguars, who already sealed their spot last week.
File photo
National Basketball League playoffs
Wednesday 15th ( Lugogo)
Game 5
Lady Canons v Lady Dolphins 7pm
UCU Lady Canons will be fighting to book their place in the 2025 National Basketball League finals when they face JKL Lady Dolphins in a decisive Game Five on Wednesday at Lugogo Indoor Arena.
The winner of this crucial clash will advance to the women’s finals to join JT Lady Jaguars, who already sealed their spot last week.
“The plan now is to finish the job. It won’t be easy, we’re playing a very good, experienced team, but we’ll be ready," says Coach Nicholas Natuhereza.
"It was hard in the beginning because they were leading, but we kept our composure, confidence, and patience, and that’s how we managed to win the last games.”
The best-of-five semifinal series is now tied 2–2, after UCU Lady Canons beat JKL Lady Dolphins 65–50 in Game Four to keep their title hopes alive. UCU had trailed after the first quarter but bounced back with a strong second-quarter performance to take control of the game and force the decider.
Earlier in the series, UCU started brightly with a 57–46 win in Game One, but JKL responded with back-to-back victories, 59–51 and 65–61, before the Lady Canons bounced back in Game Four.
In the previous match, Matrina Anyango led UCU with a double-double of 17 points and 16 rebounds, while Shilla Lamunu added 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. Sylvia Nakituuka also contributed 11 points in the vital win.
On the other hand, Hope Akello led JKL with 15 points, being the only player to reach double figures.
The Lady Canons will be counting on their teamwork, defense, and rebounding strength, while the Lady Dolphins will aim to rediscover their shooting powers that helped them win Games Two and Three.